Monmouth College Alumni are sponsoring the Off- Campus Learning Experience Program that will send six students and four professors to Cuba next May 2014. Students attending the trip will be focusing on the religion of Cuba, the society gender roles, Eco-tourism sites and the Language.

The trip will begin in Western Cuba in Havanna, where students will learn about the Santeria culture of the area. The group will then visit various cities within the area of Las Terrazas. The trip will approximately last one week, allowing the students to experience Cuba’s culture.

Professor Godde, one of the professors who drafted the proposal of the trip, is excited to be taking the students on what he calls “an experience of a lifetime” since Cuba is very difficult to visit as a tourist due the Embargo the United States imposed on Cuba in 1960. The Embargo makes it difficult for American tourist to visit Cuba because there is a monetary transaction rule. Tourist can only spend so much money each day while in Cuba, including expenses like lodging, food, or souvenirs, thus making this experience a unique challenge for Monmouth College students.

While each professor attending the trip has already begun the process of choosing the six students, there are more opportunities in the future. Professor Daniel Ott, the other professor who drafted the proposal for the trip, is excited for the opportunity this will give students.

“The gift given to fund this trip,” said Ott, “is part of a larger effort to open up the student travel, allowing more opportunities for students to participate in student travel.”

Monmouth College has not seen the end of the Off-Campus Learning Experience Program. There are faint promises of another trip, to a different location, for following years.